Pretty Planners – An Investment or a Waste of Time?

Are Pretty Planners Silly?

When you look around Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by a sea of pretty planners. Beautiful pages filled with doodles, gorgeous lettering, and intricate layouts can be found in every corner of the planner community. Some people look at these pretty planners and scoff, saying that no one who is truly busy could possibly spend so much time on such a frivolity. Others look on with envy, thinking that such lovely designs are beyond reach. Well, I’d like to challenge that. As someone who does spend lots of time beautifying my planner, I can offer some insight that might help explain what this artsy planning thing is all about and why it can actually be beneficial for you.

A Little History

Before we begin, I want to explain myself a little bit. I have always struggled with procrastination. Throughout school, I tried a million different approaches to planning – pre-printed planners, scattered notebooks for every possible thing, Post-It notes, apps… nothing worked. I still struggled and I felt hopeless. It was a horribly frustrating place to be.

During that same time of my life, I also was an avid art student. Shortly after graduating high school, however, I dropped art as a hobby. I suddenly felt unsure of myself and I was afraid of making bad art. Mostly, though, it was an enormous guilt any time I tried to make art because I felt like I should be doing something else, something more adult. This mentality and fear led me to abandoning art for years.

When I started using the bullet journal over three years ago, I knew it had potential. But for two years, I used it and still couldn’t find the X factor to make the planner click. I was trying to follow Ryder Carroll’s system, and it was still sorta… flat. Then enter Boho Berry. When I discovered her site, I had a realization that hit me like a bolt of lightning.

I can make my planner fun.

The Epiphany

The reason I could never find a planning system for me is because they were always so painfully boring. I long held onto the belief that an organization system had to be cold. Efficient. Utilitarian. I tried to build a habit around something that was less interesting than watching paint dry. It’s like trying to eat healthier by eating the same gross, bland cereal every morning. Of course I’m going to squirm out of it!

It never occurred to me that a planner could be enjoyable. That it could be a hobby. If you tried telling that to 20 year old Shelby, she would have laughed in your face. It’s a frankly absurd thought. But here I am! I’ve been happily using my bullet journal daily for a year and a half, and my life has gotten 100x better because of this one little epiphany.

The Fun Planner

The reason it is vital for me to have pretty planners is because I won’t use it if it’s not interesting. If I don’t use bold colors, create crazy lettering, draw out silly banners, or slap down insane amounts of watercolor, then I simply will stop using my planner. It will become boring if it’s anything less than over the top, and it will lose it’s appeal. The day I stop treating my bullet journal like a playground is the day it loses its magic.

And I’m not alone in this! Many creatives have discovered the possibilities of marrying their passions to their planners. It’s a great way to have a daily outlet. In fact, my planner is one of the biggest reasons that I have been able to get past my artistic fears and try painting again. Once I started using art in the mundane, every day world of planning, then the pressure to create “high art” eased its hold over me. I was able to let go of my ego and just play around without any fear of failure. If I screw up in my planner, I can just turn the page and start fresh tomorrow! No harm done. It’s been a wildly cathartic tool for me, as I’m sure it has been for other blocked creatives.

But Doesn’t It Take a Lot of Time?

Sometimes people look at my over the top spreads and crazy decorations and think I spent hours pouring over the pages. Some people think that the level of detail I put into my pretty planners is just proof that I have nothing better to do. Goodness, I wish that were the case.

I run my own business. I work harder for this blog than I have ever worked on anything in my entire life. Rarely do I have free weekends. My work days often run into the evenings. I’m actually crazy busy about 95% of the time. But you know what? I make the time to sit down and decorate my planner. I don’t find the time – I make the time. Because having an organization system that works is important to me, and the time I put into decorating my planner is an investment. Like I said earlier – if I don’t put in the time to make pretty planners, the planners stop working for me.

You Get Faster Over Time

And surprising as it sounds, this level of decor really doesn’t take that much time. You’d be surprised how quickly you can blast through a spread if you’ve already done it a million times. Because really, it isn’t about being talented. Just like anything else, using your planner (or painting, or lettering) is a skill that you develop over time with repetition and practice.

One of my weekly spreads, with watercolors and lettering and all, only takes about 15 minutes.

My monthly spreads, which I make especially over the top, take about three hours total. That includes all the trackers, logs, and everything – all 9 pages. For something that lasts all month, that really isn’t a lot of time.

My point is, creating a beautiful bullet journal doesn’t take as much time as you might think. It might be slow at first, when you’re trying something new or playing with new materials. But after a few times, you’ll speed through it twice as fast as when you first began.

It’s Not About Looks

In the end, it doesn’t come down to looks. It comes down to fun. If you are struggling to use your planner every day, then you are probably lacking a hefty dose of enjoyment. For me, a fun planner means art, doodles, lettering, and watercolors. That isn’t the same for everyone! Your fun planner might be all about baseball, or dogs, or heavy metal bands for all I care. Take a passion you already have and integrate it into your planner, and you will find yourself drawn to it more each day. You’ll spring out of bed in the morning, excited to open your planner and write in it.

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And if your idea of a fun planner is one with clean lines and a minimalist vibe, then more power to you! It’s not up to me to decide how you use your planning system. Have an armada of pretty planners or one bulky, scrappy one. I don’t care. Just don’t be afraid to make your planner enjoyable for you. Because your planner isn’t for anyone else. If someone tries to shame you for “doing it wrong”, then they clearly haven’t grasped the concept that you operate differently from him or her. There is no right or wrong as long as it works for you.

Besides, who exactly said that planning and organizing can’t be fun? Where is that written? Don’t worry about anyone else and find your own style, your own fun. You’ll be amazed at how much more effective your planning becomes when you stop dreading it and start enjoying it.

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Comments

Love the post. 3 hours over the month isn’t that long in the grand scheme of things people spend longer each month watching their favourite ( or even not so favourite!) programmes on the TV! You may even find the productivity gains are greater than the three hours you put in – I get a lot more done when I have a good list and a clear overview of my priorities which a planner clearly helps with. I would say if it what keeps you using it then it is a good investment if prevents you from getting on with it then it isn’t – sounds like you are clearly in the first camp!

This is a wonderful blog. I just signed up and skimmed through it. I think this is perfect. I have spent the past few months going all over IG looking at all kinds of planners. The artwork was totally intimidating. I gave up on the TN. Long story short, I really want to journal. I’ve journaled all my life but now want to make it look more appealing for those who read it someday. I’ve decided not be intimidated by anything. I can do what I can do but I can get so many ideas here. I bought a Leuchruum (spelling?) as I’ve finally realized it is best for me. I’m excited and can’t wait to read your blog and see of what you do Susan Lambrix

Love this post, and plan on sharing it 🙂 Back in late March I found myself drifting away from the bujo, and then in May I stopped using it entirely. Trying to get back on the horse, so this is a good reminder about WHY I wanted to do it in the first place. For now I’m going to drop pretty in favor of just…doing it, but I started this to have a creative outlet, not just an organizer. Thanks again!

I’m so glad you like the post, Lacey! I’m glad you’re picking it back up again 🙂 It can be tough after an absence, so I think it’s a great idea to keep things simple while you get back into the habit. There’s no need to rush back in and get overwhelmed! Sometimes it’s best to focus on the basics and slowly add in fun creative stuff to get your creative juices flowing again. Good luck as you jump back in!

Great post Shelby! I finally have a little time off this summer and I’m looking forward to trying some of your watercolor techniques. Your blog is consistently one I look forward to! ???? Keep up the good work! -Tana

I totally agree. We all have a finite amount of time, and should use it how we wish. For some, that’s decorating a planner – for others .. it’s whatever they want (which might not be as much fun 🙂 I personally don’t decorate my planner – but I’ve been keeping a quote journal with a weekly quote and that’s proving to be surprisingly helpful in keeping me on track, and fun to decorate – staying on track is easier when you’re looking at something pretty in your face every day.

I’m so glad you wrote this, it’s nice to have someone express what I’ve been feeling. I’m going to put more art in my journal now, I’m still figuring layouts that work for me too. Thanks for the inspiration!

I’m thrilled that you enjoyed this post, Denise! I feel very strongly about this. I know that if I feel weirdly apologetic about spending so much time making my journal pretty, then there’s others out there too. And it needs to be said! Everyone’s journal is personal and effective in its own way, and that needs to be celebrated 🙂

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Hello there, I’m Shelby!

I’m a 25 year old who has always struggled with productivity. As long as I can remember, I’ve been frustrated by procrastination and my complete inability to get my life together. I set out on my quest and discovered... Read More…